Wed, Aug 24, 2011
Delivery Expected In April, 2012
A deal struck at Oshkosh last month between Piper and Redbird
for a new twin-engine Seminole has been firmed up between the two
companies. The training twin will join Redbird Flight Simulations'
innovative and multi-faceted aviation research and development
laboratory beginning in the first quarter of 2012. The airplane
will be based at the Redbird Skyport laboratory in San Marcos,
TX.
The Skyport laboratory is dedicated to developing new ways of
doing pilot training to help reduce the cost of training, reduce
the time required, and to improve safety. The team is focused on
creating new and Innovative curriculum to help make flight training
accessible to more individuals. Roger Sharp, general manager of
Redbird Skyport’s flight training laboratory, said, "Skyport
is excited about incorporating our new Piper Seminole into our
studies because this airplane is ideally suited to meet our mission
and it will enable us to develop real world solutions to the
challenges of flight training today."
The new facility, designated Redbird Skyport will open on
November 8, 2011. Skyport is the culmination of the efforts of
Redbird Flight Simulations and King Schools and is supported by
GAMA, AOPA, and other industry partners. Skyport will be a first
step in developing solutions to the challenges of a shrinking pilot
population, staggering student drop-out rate and the ever
increasing cost of flight training.
(L-R) Will Cutter (Piper),
Jerry Gregoire (Redbird)
The innovative aviation laboratory will include a full service
FBO, flight school, and aviation experience center. All aspects of
the project will provide a test bed for innovative hardware,
software, business processes and ideas with the goal of
revitalizing general aviation.
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